conflicting, free trade and min call resources, and the ability to sustain operations against the vicious lord's resistance army of joseph kony that has operated in the northern part of the drc and in the central african republic. today's crisis is a tragedy, but it also offers a genuine opportunity to help the congolese people set a more sustainable course towards peace and stability in their own country as well as with their neighbors. the framework for action at the national, regional and international levels that i have outlined today could help enable the peoples of the region to escape the recurring cycles of conflict which have hampered progress in the eastern congo for nearly two decades. thank you again for the opportunity to testify this afternoon. i have a longer submission for the record which you may have. i look forward to answering any of your questions. >> thank you so much, mr. ambassador, and without objection, your full statement, letters referenced by ms. bass before will be made a part of the record. mr. ambassador, a couple of hours ago -- at least online -- the guardian ne